Hurray For The Riff Raff sure have evolved from that earthy, western swinging country/folk ensemble they arrived as. Over the past decade what we may have thought they were dropped away, leaving us with a clearer sense of what the band really are; a vehicle for the classy, classic songwriting and creative visions of Alynda Segarra. There is virtually nothing folky or rootsy about them nowadays but what they are instead is a band that punches with clarity and a proper pop clout. Back when I first came across them Alynda wore her admiration for John Lennon on her sleeve and it clearly ran deep for, she has injected two key practices from the man into her own work. Firstly, to respect the music, following her muse and writing from the heart. Secondly, she has learned that when imparting hard facts or reflecting the harsher realities of life around her, the message is far more likely to be heard if it is wrapped in a memorable, singable tune.

‘Life On Earth’ is firstly an album that (with descriptive license held in hand a little for what does this mean in 2022 anyway?) is a finely produced pop record. These are all great, melodic songs polished into shape with a pure electronic pop/rock sheen and only marginally embellished with any old-school acoustic or rawer aesthetics. Then on top of that is Alynda’s voice, an instrument that remains as soothing and soulful as a Karen Carpenter vocal and certainly something that lends her material a font through which all the emotional depth and nuance can shine. There is nothing on this record that could not play on daytime commercial radio, it is music that invites everyone in and I am certain that those who accept the invite will be nourished with a sweet dose of audio goodness that endures thanks to both the songs and the deep lyrics.

I do not mean deep as in impenetrable, just real, these are songs born out of living life on earth in modern times and a reaction to current world events. Problems surrounding US immigration are high among Segarra’s thoughts and with good reason, she got her hands dirty between this and the last album visiting an immigration detention centre in Louisiana, singing in the voice of one of the detainees on ‘Precious Cargo,’ movingly cutting right to the cruelty and inhumanity of immigrant plight. The environment and climate are at the forefront too as ‘Rhododendron’ seemingly rejoices in the natural world Alynda finds herself surrounded by. There are apparent personal moments too, the most biting being ‘Saga’ which seems to describe a human spirit building inner strength in its determination to eventually break out of an abusive relationship; “I don’t want this to be the saga of my life.” A similar feeling is expressed on opener ‘Wolves’ with the refrain “run babe you know how to run” but no matter who was originally in the mind of the writer, in times like these wonderful records like ‘Life On Earth’ are there to help us all, they point a way forward whilst putting an arm around our shoulders.

Buy a vinyl copy of the album here: https://www.discogs.com/release/22215319-Hurray-For-The-Riff-Raff-Life-On-Earth